Special Events Director

New Museum of Contemporary Art•New York, NY

4h•$100,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Special Events leads the New Museum’s special event strategy and growth, including an event rental revenue target currently set at $1.6 million for FY27. The role drives rental revenue, develops client and sponsorship opportunities, and provides strategic oversight of operational and administrative workflows. It combines strategic sales leadership, operational management, and senior-level event production to advance the Museum’s financial and organizational goals. The Director leads the Museum’s event rental business from lead generation and contract negotiation through event delivery and follow-up. The role also oversees production of at least 50 annual Special Events, primarily onsite, in partnership with senior leaders and teams across the Museum. Responsibilities include managing the Special Events Coordinator, cross-department operations meetings, event systems, communications, records, and performance reporting. The position requires a regular non-traditional schedule, including evenings, weekends, and early mornings to support event setups, load-ins, events, and strikes. The New Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package and paid time off and holidays to full-time employees.

Requirements

At least 12 years of experience in event sales or venue rentals, event production, or hospitality-related fields, with demonstrated success in planning, production, and management.
Outstanding organizational, communication, and project management skills, and exceptional client relationship skills.
Experience preparing and managing budgets and financial reports.
Ability to work independently on several events simultaneously.
Demonstrated success in marketing and sales.
Excellent problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to prioritize and address issues quickly and efficiently.
Experience managing staff.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Tripleseat or comparable event management software.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Availability to work a regular schedule of evenings, weekends, and early mornings.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with a unionized environment.
Experience with Raiser's Edge, ACME, Zkipster, Asana, or comparable platforms.
Knowledge of museum environments.
Knowledge of contemporary art.
Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Lead the Museum’s event rental business and develop strategic plans to meet rental revenue targets and grow revenue.
Manage the rental process from lead generation and contract negotiation through event execution and follow-up.
Maintain rental policies, procedures, contracts, and operational standards.
Track rental revenue and expenses, provide weekly financial reports to the Vice President of Advancement, and develop the annual event rental expense budget.
Identify rental leads and opportunities and develop a roster of new and returning clients.
Ensure timely communications with rental clients and leads.
Ensure rental programs align with Museum priorities, safety requirements, and visitor experience standards.
Work with External Affairs on outreach strategies, advertising campaigns, marketing materials, sales collateral, editorial placements, industry recognition, and media opportunities for the Museum’s event spaces.
Identify relevant trends, technologies, partnerships, and opportunities in cultural, nonprofit, hospitality, and corporate sectors.
Cultivate relationships with corporate clients, event planners, nonprofit organizations, production companies, and community partners.
Lead production and execution of at least 50 annual Special Events, primarily onsite, in partnership with senior leadership and relevant Museum departments.
Manage Special Event production schedules, vendors, staffing, logistics, and onsite execution.
Coordinate with Security, Education and Public Engagement, External Affairs, Development, Visitor Experience, and Operations to deliver events that advance programmatic and financial goals.
Secure strategic brand partnerships to support Special Event guest hospitality.
Oversee and manage the Special Events Coordinator.
Lead the weekly cross-department operations meeting.
Oversee event calendars, scheduling systems, production documents, and institutional event communications.
Oversee event-related data, client records, revenue tracking, and rental sales and performance metrics.
Oversee Special Event and rental event software, including system use and training.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical benefits.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Program through the Difference Card.
Commuter Benefits Program through the Difference Card.
Voluntary short-term disability plan and long-term disability.
Life insurance.
Retirement plan.
Other voluntary benefits.
Full-time employees receive 15 days of paid time off, 8 sick days, and 13 holidays as applicable through the fiscal year.